Universal hotel-dilemna!

Jaxx · 23 Nov 21, 12:18 PM

Looking for a bit of DIBB guidance to help me decide!

We're (two adults) booked for next August -delayed honeymoon. We're doing three nights in NYC, three nights at Universal and then a week at Disney.

Although I say we have three days at Universal, essentially one is travel day (from NY) so mostly an afternoon/evening, then one of the days we are going to Kennedy Space centre. So that really leaves us with the best part of 1 full day and some half days. I had looked at booking RPR for the three nights to get the express pass benefits, but it's coming out more than I'd really want to pay. An alternative suggestion is to stay at Cabana Bay/Aventura, get the benefits of early park entry and then buy express passes for the one full day we are at Universal. By doing that, it still works out around �200 cheaper than RPR.

Any thoughts?

lemmiwinkles · 23 Nov 21, 01:11 PM

My pick in your situation would be the Aventura. Not as close as RPR but cheaper, smaller, newer and has a lively rooftop bar.

Bozza · 23 Nov 21, 01:14 PM

A delayed honeymoon you say?

I'd try and find a way to get to the Royal Pacific if you possibly can - it's a lovely hotel and will give you more flexibility in terms of nipping into the parks as and when and have express access on all of those occasions.

Jaxx · 23 Nov 21, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by lemmiwinkles

My pick in your situation would be the Aventura. Not as close as RPR but cheaper, smaller, newer and has a lively rooftop bar.

The rooftop bar is definitely a pull!

Jaxx · 23 Nov 21, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Bozza

A delayed honeymoon you say?

I'd try and find a way to get to the Royal Pacific if you possibly can - it's a lovely hotel and will give you more flexibility in terms of nipping into the parks as and when and have express access on all of those occasions.

I know, it does look lovely. We've splurged on the Beach Club for our disney stay and I think if I could get RPR for around �750 for the three nights I'd go for it. Just now though its over �900-I guess because our nights are over a weekend, they're dearer.

DonnaD · 23 Nov 21, 01:53 PM

Have you looked at Sapphire Falls? Much more grown up/honeymoon feel than Cabana Bay. If a similar price to Aventura it would be my choice. I haven't stayed at Aventura but didn't get the same feel in the lobby.

loldis · 23 Nov 21, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by Jaxx

I know, it does look lovely. We've splurged on the Beach Club for our disney stay and I think if I could get RPR for around �750 for the three nights I'd go for it. Just now though its over �900-I guess because our nights are over a weekend, they're dearer.

It sounds counter-intuative, but try searching for 4 nights instead of 3. This often unlocks the savvy traveller rate which is much cheaper. If so, then reduce your Disney stay by 1 night. You can check in early if you have Disney plans on that day, so you shouldn't lose anything. RPR will be significantly cheaper than BC as well, even at full price.

Jaxx · 23 Nov 21, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by loldis

It sounds counter-intuative, but try searching for 4 nights instead of 3. This often unlocks the savvy traveller rate which is much cheaper. If so, then reduce your Disney stay by 1 night. You can check in early if you have Disney plans on that day, so you shouldn't lose anything. RPR will be significantly cheaper than BC as well, even at full price.

Wow you're right! Its only �40 dearer for 4 nights! Probably should have checked that before booking everything-rookie error.

Will have a look at the plans made so far. Thanks!

23 Nov 21, 01:11 PM	#2
	23 Nov 21, 01:11 PM lemmiwinkles Excited about Disney
lemmiwinkles Excited about Disney Join Date: Feb 20 Location: Scotland	My pick in your situation would be the Aventura. Not as close as RPR but cheaper, smaller, newer and has a lively rooftop bar.